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Skylit Cabins Crafted from Local Timber Within a Volcanic Landscape

Authors:
Ryan Danby, Samantha Moscardelli
Skylit Cabins Crafted from Local Timber Within a Volcanic Landscape
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Skylights embedded in locally sourced timber cabins offer unobstructed views of the aurora borealis, creating a unique retreat that blends seamlessly with the volcanic landscape of Iceland.
5 key facts about this project
01
Skylights in every cabin maximize natural light and facilitate aurora viewing from inside.
02
Cabins utilize charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
03
The design incorporates passive thermal strategies to reduce energy consumption.
04
Granular gravel pathways minimize environmental disruption while guiding movement.
05
Local timber sourcing strengthens the connection with the surrounding landscape.

### Architectural Design Report: Ljós Project

**Overview**
The Ljós project is situated near Mývatn Lake in Iceland, within a landscape characterized by volcanic formations and glacial terrains. The design aims to provide an immersive experience of the aurora borealis, integrating functionality, spatial organization, and contextual relevance. The architectural intervention emphasizes harmony between built forms and the surrounding natural environment, fostering communal interactions while enhancing the appreciation of the unique geographical context.

**Spatial Strategy and User Experience**
The layout features a triangular configuration that echoes the organic evolution of the site, with structures resembling both traditional and contemporary Icelandic dwellings. Key components, such as the Eldhús (kitchen) and Heim (home), serve as gathering spaces for visitors, centered around a communal kitchen designed to promote fellowship and socialization. The expansive dining area is equipped with a long table that encourages shared meals, supported by thoughtfully designed accommodation cabins that balance privacy with a connection to the landscape.

**Materiality and Sustainability**
The design incorporates locally sourced materials, notably dark wooden cladding that harmonizes with the volcanic surroundings while imparting warmth to the structures. Large glass elements provide unobstructed views of the aurora borealis, facilitating an immersive interaction with the natural spectacle. Gravel pathways guide visitors through the site, ensuring minimal disruption to native flora and fauna. The use of wood and glass not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also reflects a commitment to sustainable practices, creating a dialogue between the architecture and its environment. Specific features, such as the Skála Cabin with its strategically placed skylight, further amplify the connection to the natural landscape, inviting occupants to engage with the night sky from within.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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